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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 5 Hansard (11 May) . . Page.. 1500 ..

taken some action to alleviate the problem. Therefore, the MAN model was not considered to be cost effective or well targeted. While the Department made an offer to use parts of the program considered compatible with the ACT environment, this offer was not accepted by the initiator of the program.

It has been agreed that the Division of General Practice will now put forward its men's health promotion proposal in the near future. It is expected that the first ACT Men's Health Program will focus on prostate cancer prevention and early intervention.

One of the recommendations noted in the, Government Response is in relation to funding for the provision of a counselling and information service for large public housing complexes. Services purchased through the Department of Health and Community Care are based primarily on client need. Where clients of large public housing complexes have ongoing and varying needs, these will be addressed as far as possible on the basis of individual need assessment which will include current living arrangements as one factor among several.

In addition, the Department of Urban Services currently funds a Community Development Worker at the Bega, Allawah, Currong Flat complex. The Community Development Worker provides an access point for referral, support and community activities.

The Department of Health and Community Care is exploring ways to work more closely with Department of Urban Services to ensure better access to health and community services for public housing residents.

Another issue raised by the Committee which I'd like to mention, is in relation to the need for increased funding within the disability sector. The Government notes the recommendation that the budget be examined with a view to increased funding within the disability sector, and confirms its support to assist people with disabilities. Members should note that $1.0m additional funding was provided in the 1999-2000 budget for the disability sector.

Mr Speaker, I thank the Standing Committee for its report and I commend the Government Response to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Berry ) adjourned.

MR MOORE (Minister for Health and Community Care) (4.15): Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, for the information of members and pursuant to section 10 of the Supervised Injecting Place Trial Act 1999, I present the following paper:

I move:

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